Hello July! Fun Summer Activities
Summertime is the perfect season to create lasting memories with your child while promoting their health and wellness. With the warm weather and long days, there are endless opportunities to engage in fun, educational, and beneficial activities.
Check out some of our favorites:
Nature Scavenger Hunts
While the heat is strong, take advantage of the cooler hours in the early morning or late evening to have a nature scavenger hunt. Why it’s great? Exploring outdoors can be both fun and educational. A nature scavenger hunt encourages children to observe their environment, enhancing their attention to detail and observational skills. Not only does this encourage the above but, it also assists with mindfulness. Being outdoors allows your child to unplug from their technology and be present in the moment. If you want to put an ABA spin on it consider using positive reinforcement when your child finds an item on the scavenger list. Positive reinforcement could be as simple as a high five or as deluxe as a special treat at the end of the hunt.
Here is an example of a list of items you can find on your Nature Hunt to the Bahrain Fort. Remember get as creative as you like! Consider tailoring this to your child’s specific interests.
Can you spot a traditional dhow?
Can you spot a traditional fishing net?
Can you spot a Bahrain flag?
Can you spot a horse?
Can you find a sea shell?
Can you find a path leading you to the fort?
Water Activities
Water activities are great throughout the summer months. Not only to keep you cool but, they help encourage physical activity. Whether it’s going to the beach, your backyard pool, or running through the sprinkler consider incorporating this into your weekly routine. If you find that your child struggles to go into a public pool or waterpark consider practicing at home first. Or during quiet hours at the public pool. If you have extra funds consider investing in a 1:1 swim instructor who specializes in working with children who have behavioral needs. Remember, safety first so make sure that your instructor is qualified and that safety equipment is readily available. Your child should never be left unattended especially if they are not strong swimmers.
Creative Arts and Crafts
Too hot to go outside? Not to worry consider doing creative arts and crafts indoors. Pinterest, TikTok Instagram, and Facebook offer a plethora of ideas for each and every grade level. It’s as simple as a click of the mouse to find something that may be interesting to you and your child. Here at REACH we love to reduce, reuse, and recycle. You can make cool and innovative crafts from leftover egg cartons, soda bottles, and scrap paper. Consider making a cool rocket from your soda can. How about using scrap paper to create a paper plane? See who can fly theirs the farthest! Consider implementing an ABA approach of a token economy. For each step of the process provide your child with a token to celebrate their achievements. You would be amazed at how much your kids love this!
Remember, there are so many options available to you that require little planning to prepare. All it takes is a little ingenuity and time. Stay connected with REACH for more tips and resources to support your child this summer. Happy holidays!
